Little Things That Carry Our Retreat Memories Home
(Friendship Japanese gourd bottles in hands)
Hi all. It’s Haruka here.
One of the most beautiful parts of Prana Retreat is the friendships that naturally grow along the way. Spending a week together—sharing meals, experiences, conversations, and quiet moments—often brings people closer in ways we never quite expect.
Over the years, little “friendship items” have become a lovely part of our retreat memories: small gifts, handmade pieces, and meaningful keepsakes that remind us of the wonderful people we shared our time in Japan with.
(Japanese gourd bottles with guest names)
One of the most touching surprises came from our lovely retreat chefs, who secretly prepared beautiful Japanese gourd bottles as gifts for each guest.
They creatively chose kanji characters that sounded like each guest’s name, giving every bottle its own personalised Japanese name. They even prepared a list explaining the meanings behind the chosen kanji and shared the stories with everyone. Our guests were absolutely delighted—and I was just as touched, especially because the chefs had kept the whole surprise a secret from me too! It was such a thoughtful and creative gesture that made each little bottle feel truly one of a kind.
(Japanese traditional coasters)
I also remember a retreat a few years ago when our kimono teacher surprised us with beautiful traditional Japanese coasters. Each one had a different flower delicately illustrated in the golden centre, and we spent a lovely moment together choosing our favourites while chatting.
Again, this wasn’t something I had asked her to prepare—it was simply a thoughtful gesture from her. Moments like this always remind me how much generosity and warm Japanese hospitality our local retreat team brings to the experience.
(Japanese plant dye workshop)
Although Japanese plant dyeing is part of the retreat program itself, the scarves we create have also become a kind of friendship item—and a beautiful souvenir to take home.
Each guest chooses their own colours and creates their own pattern, making every scarf completely one of a kind.
One of my favourite things is receiving photos from past guests wearing their scarves back home, sometimes on the other side of the world. It always makes me feel so grateful knowing that something we created together in Japan continues to be part of their everyday life, carrying a little piece of our shared memories with it.
(Airplane bottle opener all the way from UK)
During our most recent retreat, one of our guests from the UK brought a pretty little airplane bottle opener for everyone in the group. I thought it was incredibly thoughtful that she had prepared something for people she hadn’t even met yet, knowing they would soon be sharing this retreat experience together.
Over the years, we’ve also had guests bring homemade soaps, traditional snacks from their home countries, little bags, gemstones and other small treasures to share. None of these are ever expected, which makes them all the more heartwarming. I love seeing these little friendship items travel across countries and become part of the memories created during our time together.
(Japanese Aroma Bottles)
The Japanese aroma bottles we create during the retreat are another special keepsake we all bring home. Each guest blends their favourite essential oils and chooses Japanese gemstones to create a bottle that is completely unique to them.
(A scent to remember)
In some past retreats, guests have even exchanged their finished creations with one another, giving the bottles an extra layer of meaning. A familiar scent or a glimpse of the little bottle back home can bring us right back to the people, conversations, and moments we shared together in Japan.
(Ichinose Pottery)
Another thing that keeps us connected to our time together is the pottery of the Ichinose tradition.
During the retreat, we visit the workshop and kiln of a seventh-generation potter, where guests often find a mug, bowl, vase, or another piece that speaks to them. These pieces travel home with us and naturally become part of everyday life—holding our morning coffee, serving a meal, or sitting quietly with flowers. This is exactly what the potter hopes for: that his work is not simply displayed, but used and enjoyed every day. And each time we use it, there is a little connection back to the time in Japan.
We’ve now opened bookings for our 2027 Spring programs, with just a few rooms left for March and full booking in April. We’re already feeling excited to welcome new guests for the next journey ahead.